Oakville arenas to re-open Monday if deal is ratified

Community centres and arenas will re-open Monday after the Town of Oakville and striking outside workers from CUPE 136 reached a tentative deal early Friday morning.

The deal – and the re-opening of Town facilities – is pending ratification from the union members, with that vote happening Saturday.

“I am pleased that the bargaining teams were able to reach a tentative agreement,” said Oakville CAO Jane Clohecy. “I want to thank both teams for their considerable effort that led to this positive outcome for our staff and community. I also want to thank our residents for your ongoing patience throughout the labour disruption. I know it has not been easy for you or your family.”

The deal comes too late for the Oakville Blades hockey club, however, which had to cancel games scheduled for this weekend.

“Our games this weekend are postponed. This is beyond our control,” the team said on social media, while noting that the “good news” is a tentative deal had been reached – pending that union ratification – that will allow the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, where the team plays its games, to re-open.

“We appreciate the understanding. If the vote to ratify goes well, everything will be back by Monday.”

The marathon negotiating session between the negotiating teams from the union and the Town ended after midnight Friday morning and resulted in that tentative agreement.

If all goes well at Saturday’s vote, community centres and arenas and loose leaf collection will resume full service on Monday while leash-free dog parks would open around noon on Sunday.

Recreation and Culture customers will receive a direct email communication with details on when drop-in program online registration will resume.

More details of the agreement will be shared following ratification.